How to write a CV or resume

A recruiter spends seconds on your CV before deciding whether to read it properly. Yours has to be clear, relevant and results-driven — a document that makes the case for an interview in a glance.

What it is

A CV (or resume) is a structured summary of your experience, skills and achievements, tailored to the role you want. It is not your life story; it is evidence that you fit this job.

How to write it

Tailor it to the specific role. Show a recruiter's keywords and responsibilities and shape your CV around them. One good, tailored CV beats a generic one sent everywhere.

Lead with a strong summary. Two or three lines at the top: who you are, your key strength, and what you aim to bring to this role.

Write achievements, not duties. "Managed the team" is a duty; "managed a team of eight, cutting delivery time by 30%" is an achievement. Use numbers and outcomes.

Use reverse-chronological order. Most recent first. Recruiters expect this and it highlights progression.

Keep it clear and scannable. Use headings, short bullets and consistent formatting. One or two pages. Readable is everything.

Include the essentials, cut the rest. Contact details, summary, experience, education, key skills. Cut anything irrelevant to the role. Age, marital status and a photo are not needed in most markets.

The structure to copy

1. Contact / header — name, email, phone, location, links.
2. Summary — 2–3 lines stating your value.
3. Experience — each role with achievement-led bullets.
4. Education — degrees, certifications.
5. Skills — a short, relevant list.

Common mistakes

A list of duties with no results. Too long, or walls of text. Generic and untargeted. Typos — a CV with an error reads as carelessness. Irrelevant detail.

Practical tips

• Use the job description's language so you match what they search for.
• Quantify where you can — numbers persuade.
• Cut anything that does not help you get this job.

Checklist

• I tailored it to the specific role.
• I led with a strong, relevant summary.
• My bullets state achievements, not just duties.
• I ordered experience reverse-chronologically.
• It is clear, scannable and one or two pages.
• I proofread for errors.